RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY UPDATE–December 2011
Tere and Therese began an experiment in community living in early 2006, inspired to share this sacred land and develop a sustainable model of communal living with shared common spaces and ‘small is beautiful’ private spaces (cabins and bedrooms). In addition to the log cabin and outbuildings previously built, we built the beautiful Round House and two nearby yurt-cabins (detached bedrooms) in 2007-08. In 2011 we completed a third structure near the Round House, the ‘Cedar Castle.’ Our “complex” here at Sacred Groves now includes two houses, several cabins and outbuildings that serve as shop, studios, offices. Over the past 6 years 30 adults and 12 children have moved in (and out) of Sacred Groves. It’s been a rich and wonderful experience, many sweet moments of living with an ‘extended family’ of sorts. But the family was always changing, we’ve been struck by the transiency. Our vision is to have a stable community of folks who feel rooted to this land, folks who want to co-create a life living simply, sustainably, connected to the earth and each other. And we’re looking for people who will continue this community experiment at these sacred groves long after Tere and Therese retire from Bainbridge Island.
Great Room, our community living room in the Round House
Mysteriously (and for a variety of reasons) all residents, except Therese and Tere, moved away from Sacred Groves in the last half of 2011, leaving us alone on this beautiful land for the first time in 6 years. We feel this is a perfect opportunity to re-group and re-vision without the busy-ness of a bustling residential community. As of mid December 2011, the community at Sacred Groves is in hiatus.
2012 is bound to bring in unpredictable surprises. So we await the mystery unfolding, with a sense of trust that all we have created here will come into its full potential. In any case and into the future as far as we can see… Sacred Groves will continue to be a place for ceremonies, circles and classes.
If you are interested in co-creating a vibrant community here at Sacred Groves, please contact us and let us know what you have to offer. We will consider new residents starting in April 2012, looking for people who have an affinity for the Sacred Groves vision and values, people who are drawn to the ceremonies, circles and events that happen here, are looking to settle down in one place, and have the ability to financially contribute to the overhead costs of this land. We especially welcome inquiries from people who have an abiding and informed interest in community living.
LIVING SIMPLY
“To be satisfied with a little is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares. But a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not.” Akhenaton
Living at Sacred Groves requires a commitment to downsizing and sharing. There are many good reasons to live more simply, occupy less space, have fewer material possessions. Many people have come to realize that money, big houses, and lots of stuff do not bring bring us fulfillment and meaning. Connection in community and to the natural world does. Here are several links to check out if you are interested in learning more about the many good reasons for living small and simply:
“Tumbleweed Houses” –examples of tiny charming houses, most of which are smaller than our cabins here at the Groves.
Small House Society
Small Living Journal
Little House on a Small Planet
Green Home Building
The Simple Living Network
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, familial status, or national origin.